World of Snakes
Quick Facts
- Location : 1 mile east of Grecia
- Hours : 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
- Telephone : 2494-3700
- Entrance Fee : $11 adults, $6 children
Founded in 1994, Grecia's World of Snakes incorporates a zoological garden, professional breeding center and research park. The project is most famous for its serpentarium, which covers 18,000 square feet and houses more than 50 snake species – at least one from each major family, including vipers, colubrids, elapids, and giant snakes. The zoological garden is also home to crocodiles, lizards and several amphibian species.
read more closeFor many visitors, the World of Snakes offers an opportunity to observe species that they would not see in the wild. The majority of the serpentarium's residents hail from Central and South America, although species from Asia, Africa, Australia, North America and Europe are also represented. Highlights include several of Costa Rica's most venomous serpents – eyelash palm pit vipers, Central American bushmasters, fer-de-lances – as well as non-venomous species like boa constrictors, milk snakes, and pythons.
The entrance fee includes a 90-minute guided tour. Experienced guides are fonts of reptilian knowledge and encourage visitor interaction – touch a snake if you dare!
Volunteer:
Internships and volunteer positions are available year-round. Opportunities include helping with zoo tours, animal care, breeding programs and snake research. There is no cost for training, but volunteers are responsible for their own travel costs, accommodations, and groceries. Only two internships are available simultaneously, so begin planning well in advance.
Getting There:
Bus: Public buses depart San Jose for Grecia at the crossroads of Avenida 3 and Calles 18 and 20. The hour-long journey costs approximately $1.75. Buses leave San Jose every 10 minutes between 5:40 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and every 30 minutes from 6:00 p.m. to 10:20 p.m. Ask to be let off at the "Mundo de las Serpientes," approximately one mile before reaching Grecia. (Transportes Grecia: 2258-2004)
Car: From San Jose, take the Interamerican Highway toward San Ramon. About 12 miles outside of San Jose, turn right and follow signs to Grecia. Look for park signs about a mile before reaching the downtown area.